Former Nigerian lawmaker and human rights activist, Shehu Sani, has reacted strongly to the fresh United States travel restrictions placed on Nigeria and several other countries, describing the policy as a clear message that migrants from developing nations are no longer welcome.
Sani’s reaction followed the announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump of a new travel ban affecting Nigeria and 14 other countries, citing national security concerns, terrorism, and visa overstay rates. Nigeria was listed alongside mostly African and Caribbean nations, a development that has sparked widespread debate across social media and political circles.
In a statement posted on his verified Twitter account, Shehu Sani recalled the public reaction to the first phase of the visa restrictions, noting that many Nigerians initially celebrated the move. According to him, there was a widespread belief that the earlier ban was targeted only at government officials accused of religious persecution.
“They said the first visa ban focused on those who engage in acts of religious persecution, and many jubilated on social media, thinking it’s only for government officials,” Sani wrote.
However, the former senator said the latest development has proven those assumptions wrong. He stressed that the second visa restriction applies broadly, affecting ordinary citizens now that Nigeria has been officially listed among 23 countries facing travel limitations.
Sani further pointed out what he described as a troubling pattern in the composition of the affected countries. He observed that the recent list contains no Arab nations, despite security concerns often cited globally, but instead features mostly Black African and Caribbean countries.
“Even though safety and security were used as the basis, the message is very clear,” he said, adding that “third world migrants are NOT welcomed.”
According to Sani, the implications of the policy go beyond diplomacy, serving as a blunt reminder for affected countries to confront their internal challenges. View, More,
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